MAPLE LEAFS FORWARD AUSTON MATTHEWS TO MISS FRIDAY'S GAME WITH INJURY

After leaving practice quite early on Thursday morning, Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews will miss Friday's game against the Edmonton Oilers with an injury. According to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet, the injury is believed to be minor, and Matthews' absence will be short term.

Auston Matthews is out for tonight's game vs. Edmonton with a minor injury. His absence is believed to be precautionary and short term.— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 22, 2021

This news comes as the Maple Leafs are already down two forwards in Joe Thornton, and Nicholas Robertson who was placed on LTIR yesterday after suffering a knee injury on the weekend.

Matthews, 23, was drafted in the first round, first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. In 287 regular season games, he's tallied 290 points (160 G, 130 A), 46 penalty minutes, and is a +36. In 25 career playoff games, he has 19 points (12 G, 7 A), 2 penalty minutes, and is a -4.



As mentioned, the Maple Leafs take on the Edmonton Oilers on Friday night, puck drop is set for 7pm ET.